Module 2: Classic Children's and Young Adult Literature

Frog and Toad Together by Arnold Lobel


Lobel, A. (1972). Frog and toad together. New York: Harper Collins.

Summary

Composed of five different smaller stories, Frog and Toad Together focuses on the friendship between Frog and Toad. Frog and Toad each encounter different "challenges" and rely on each other to make the most of it. When Toad decides to plant a garden he follows Frog's advice on how best to make it flourish. His disappointment at its lack of growth in a day is alleviated by Frog's encouragement and reassurance. The book emphasizes the importance of true friendship and all the wonderful things one can accomplish with a little support from friends.

My Thoughts

I love Frog and Toad. My favorite thing about Frog and Toad books is their friendship. They go on different adventures and learn new things, but they are always together as friends. They help and support each other and I enjoy reading about their friendship. Although in some of the vignettes they are doing things individually, in the end they share their exploits with each other. I think their example of friendship is a great one for kids because it shows them another side of love:that between best friends. Frog and Toad have completely different personalities, yet it only makes them appreciate each other more. I also like how the book is composed of several shorter stories because I think that keeps kids engaged and interested in what their reading. They are long enough to develop a theme (which is not forced upon you) and plot, but short enough to keep one's attention. I truly enjoy reading the Frog and Toad books as an adult and remember loving them as a child and will continue to encourage young readers to experience them. They are excellent books for storytimes and discussing friendship.

Review

Preschool-Gr. 2. This sequel to Frog and Toad Are Friends (Harper-GoUins, 1970) features five stories that demonstrate the enduring quality of the two animals' friendship, whether they are sitting and doing nothing, growing gardens, exercising willpower, testing their courage, or dreaming of grandeur. The softly colored illustrations in this I Can Read Book are a perfect complement. Days with Frog and Toad (HarperGoUins, 1979) continues the amphibian friendship and fun for early readers. Suen, A. Book Links, July 2006.